Inman hosts a weekly game night for elderly residents there, and Lyke said she does a fantastic job. Inman tailors the games to the interests and abilities of the residents. And she is reliable.

"And that is so important, somebody who is going to come back week after week," Lyke said.

Inman said she has as much fun with the residents as they do with her. They are fascinating, she said.

"They do have a lot to offer if you take the time to listen to them," Inman said. "Their stories, to me, are just incredible. They have such a sense of humor that sometimes I'll just get to laughing. They really can bring you so much joy."

Inman also volunteers through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rock, Walworth and Jefferson Counties as a weekly lunch buddy.

"I can count on her to be dependable and always be there for her little buddy."

Inman's respect for others carries over to the outdoors.

Inman and her husband, Edward, are original members of the Friends of Carver-Roehl Park, which was formed a decade ago to rejuvenate the Rock County park down her road. The couple farm 1,000 acres in rural Avalon.

Inman writes the newsletter for the parks group and was instrumental in creating a fundraising cookbook. She helps with the annual Easter egg hunt and harvest festival.

"Anything you ever call on her for, she's there," said Nancy Pope, president of the park group. "You can always count on Sheryl. If she says she's going to do something, it's going to get done."

"We just thought it was important to get the park cleaned up and to get people to know about it," Inman said.

She lauded the park, saying many call it the "Little Dells."

Inman is talkative and friendly and likes to laugh. When things get difficult, she tries to find something lighthearted.

"You have two choices: either laugh or cry," Inman said. "And I prefer to laugh."

Inman begins each day thinking what she should be thankful for.

It keeps life in perspective.

"Even if today is a bad day, it may not be as bad as someone else's day," she said.